Q-Cells CIGS, multicrystalline pass Australian desert conditions

Q-Cells delivered significant power output in some of the driest weather conditions in Central Australia.

This was proved in a test field in Alice Springs, Australia.
 

The company’s Q.Smart solar module, of CIGS thin-film technology, and a prototype of its Q.Pro and Q.Base, of polysilicon technology, were tested over the past few months at the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre alongside other similarly sized systems.

The Q.Smart modules were tested between August 2010 and January 2011 yielding an average energy output of 5.8 kilowatt-hours per installed kilowatt-peak per day. In comparison, systems from U.S. - and Japanese-based manufacturers had an average output, under the same conditions, between 5.1 and 5.3kWh/kWp/day.

The Q.Pro and Q.Base crystalline solar modules also performed well during the test period between March 2010 and January 2011. The QC-05 prototype module generated an average energy yield of 5.3 kilowatt-hours per installed kilowatt-peak per day. In comparison, module manufacturers from Japan, China, Australia, the U.S. and the UK saw an average range of 4.6 to 5.1kWh/kWp/day. With such positive performance results, Q-Cells is planning to bring out a new generation of its Q.Pro and Q.Base modules in all key markets this year.

"We are pleased that the high level of quality at Q-Cells is also reflected in independent tests," says Peter Wawer, senior vice president technology at Q-Cells.

"The test results show that our products hold a technologically leading position. We assume that the Q-Cells solar modules will also achieve positive test results in the long term. From a strategic point of view, these excellent test results also prove that Q-Cells is focusing on the right technologies. In addition to the silicon-based modules, the CIGS thin-film technology plays an important role.